Perspectives on transatlantic cooperation: Science and research – Upgrading EU-US cooperation

This briefing forms part of a broader research project on the perspectives on transatlantic cooperation in the US election year, requested by the Chair of the European
Parliament's delegation for relations with the United States.The EU-US axis has for decades been the main axis for science cooperation worldwide, given that the USA and Europe were the two main research powerhouses. However, the situation has been evolving in the last decade with emerging research powers – specifically China – entering the scene and creating a new multipolar context.

While the US research system is organised on a thematic basis, European research efforts are fragmented between the EU, national and regional levels. This creates a complex but dense network of interactions between Europe and the USA. The EU has been trying to coordinate better its efforts since 2000 by integrating the international dimension of science into the European Research Area. The cooperation agreement between the EU and the USA, signed in 1998, was renewed in 2014, while the Commission adopted a roadmap for EU-US scientific cooperation.

In order to strengthen the EU-US axis in science cooperation, initiatives could be taken regarding: mutual opening of research programmes, development of transatlantic joint programming initiatives, access to and co-funding of research infrastructure, open access to research and data, and the framework for researchers’ mobility.

Cooperation between the EU and USA has been instrumental in maintaining both regions at the edge of scientific progress. With increasing worldwide competition, the transatlantic link appears a strong asset. However, implementing new initiatives would imply better addressing the fragmentation of the EU research landscape, agreeing on common priorities and removing legal barriers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Author: Vincent Reillon.

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